The 2010 SX4 SportBack is driven by the front wheels, rides lower to the pavement than all-wheel drive SX4 hatchbacks do, has a sportier suspension and an aerodynamic package, including a rear spoiler and a lower chin beneath the grille.

So, the SportBack has hatchback practicality and a flat cargo load floor with rear seatbacks folded while getting away from the plain look of other SX4s.

The four-cylinder engine is upgraded, too, adding more horsepower and more torque than last yearís four-cylinder. But this engine change, along with new transmissions, is made in 2010 on all SX4s, including non-SportBack hatchbacks and SX4 sedans.

The SportBack also has a higher starting price.

Buyers of the new SX4 SportBack arenít going to be as interested in four-wheel traction as they are in style and fun driving.

The test SportBack had a spunky personality. At times, when I pulled away from red lights, I even felt my head push back into the seatback because there was noticeable zip at startup.

The test car had the six-speed manual transmission, an upgrade from last yearís five-speed, mated to the 2-liter, double overhead cam four cylinder. I never missed a gear, and although the shifter had a notchy feel, the power delivery was pleasing through the gears. I would have preferred a slightly shorter gearshift throw, though, to help give a more precise shifting feel.

A continuously variable transmission also is offered and is operated like an automatic by the driver. A SportBack with CVT starts at $19,834.

The eager power delivery in the tester wasnít just from the engine. Like all SX4s, the SportBack is relatively lightweight at less than 2,750 pounds. In fact, the doors closed with a slight tinny sound.

There was noticeable road noise from the SportBackís 17-inch, low-profile, all-season tires, and I heard the engine get buzzy when pushed to the max during passing maneuvers on the highway.

Controls inside the car were functional. Bluetooth wireless connectivity was one of the few available options on the otherwise nicely equipped SX4 SportBack. Standard equipment includes power windows and doors, fog lamps, automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, keyless entry, push-button start, eight-speaker audio system and navigation system.

Since 2009, many models of SX4 have come with standard navigation system, which was a first in the low-priced car segment.

The SX4 SportBack handled well on twisty roads. There was predictable understeer and some body roll in this 5-foot-tall hatchback. But the compact five-door car remained poised and nimble.